Tag Archives: Bob Henrit

PHOENIX – Out Of The Sun

Leave a comment

PHOENIX formed after ’70s classic band ARGENT disbanded, as it consisted of John Verity, Jim Rodford and Bob Henrit. Verity had joined Argent for their last 2 albums, replacing Russ Ballard; the band took on a change of direction, but Verity wanting to get back to a more straight ahead rock band came up with Phoenix. The band debuted in 1976 with their self-titled album. Not sure how well it did, but it is a classic ’70s hard-rock album, full of great guitar, Verity’s distinctive vocals, and a killer rhythm section., and stand outs like “From The Ashes”, “Woman Like You”, and “Easy”. Highly recommended ’70s rock listening, with Verity putting out a 30th anniversary CD edition some years ago.

Anyway, the band went in to record a 2nd album (which is the topic here), which was shelved as the record company at the time wanted the band to take on a more American radio friendly sound, hence 1979’s flop – In Full View. The band would release 1 more single before disbanding.

Now, nearly 43 years later that 2nd ‘lost’ album has been rediscovered and mastered for release by John Verity. Titled Out Of The Sun, with a cover that resembles that classic album cover for the Phoenix debut album, featuring 8 tracks individually penned by each band member, as well as a track from Chris White (Zombies).

Upon first listen through, it is safe to say if you liked that first Phoenix album – you will really like this! A great mix of rockers, ballads, a bit of funk, blues… Out Of The Sun opens with “Are You Ready”, an upbeat heavy rocker, very fitting musically and lyrically here. (Can’t help but be reminded of Grand Funk’s song of the same title). There are a couple of piano based ballads [featuring Rod Argent] – “Fallin'”, which is highlighted by Verity’s vocal, harmonies, and a smokin’ guitar break, as well as the cut “When My Boat Comes In”, again with a great high vocal,, a bit of synths, – this one would’ve made a fine single. “Loser” is a rocker, with a good bit of attitude; this song really makes me think these guys were really having a blast recording this stuff. “Spider Woman” is a cool sounding slower number, a bit funky, great groove, one of my favorites here, as is “Take My Music”, a bit more of an uptempo rocker, complete with some nice backing harmonies, a few changes, killer guitar sound; too bad this one fades out so soon. “Winds Of Change”, followed by “You Got Soul” close out this disc, both strong cuts, a bit of blues, soul, funk, and solid rock.

It is a shame this album was lost for so long, because it is a fantastic follow up and equally as impressive as the debut. Not a dodgy cut here. Just a very cool sounding guitar rock album of the 70s, from a tight sounding band that ended too soon.

RIP Jim Rodford, 2018

Order at > http://www.johnverity.com

Kj, 01/’22

PHOENIX: John Verity Releases Lost Album

Leave a comment

Phoenix was a short-lived 70s trio consisting of ex Argent members John Verity, Jim Rodford, and Bob Henrit. The band’s debut was the excellent 1976 self-titled album that featured great guitar rock and vocals, featuring such stand-outs as “Easy”, “A Woman Like You” and “From The Ashes”‘. After a few years the band returned with 1979’s In Full View. This album saw Ray Minhinnett (ex Highway) added on guitar and American Ronnie Lee Cunningham (ex Law) on keyboards, while Rodford had left with Verity also playing bass. Rod Argent and Russ Ballard also made guest appearances. American producer was also brought in to work with the band in LA. But the album was softer, more mainstream, and lacked the feel of the first one. Frankly, I just never got in to this one. However, we now come to learn that a 2nd Phoenix album, with the original trio was recorded in ’77, and recently mastered and released by John. Below, John gives details and the story behind the ‘lost’ Phoenix album which can now be ordered through his website – http://www.johnverity.com

An amazing piece of news is that just a few months ago we rediscovered the ‘Lost’ Phoenix album. Back in 1977 Bob Henrit, Jim Rodford, & myself went into Trident Studios in London to record the follow up to our first album “Phoenix’. The new album was to be titled ‘Out of the Sun’.We really felt we had pushed the envelope both technically and creatively with this one, and I was proud of what I had achieved as a producer using the tools at my disposal. Sadly our record label CBS did not agree. Punk/New Wave had really taken a hold and almost overnight we were simply unfashionable…The album was put on ice, and somehow the masters were lost – until now.

By a twist of fate I got the opportunity to look again at these recordings with a view to releasing them over 40 years after they were recorded. A copy of the last set of mixes I had done resurfaced and I was able to get them restored, and then I remastered the tracks at home in my studio. We secured funding from fans and had the CD manufactured for release after all this time. I think the result is stunning. Transform yourself back to the ’70’s!!’

*Some years ago I interviewed John Verity (via email), and I be re-posting that here soon.

KJ, 01/22.